How to Service and Maintain Craftsman Lawn Tractor

How to Service Craftsman Lawn Tractor. Model 13APA1ZT093.
Craftsman T240 with a Kohler 7000 series KT725 22hp Engine.
Air filter & Pre-filter Combo (aftermarket) Kohler 32-083-09-S. amzn.to/3ZJ7vhE.
Fuel Filter (aftermarket) This is what I use. amzn.to/3LgABk3.
Oil Filter. amzn.to/3yxpED6.
Spark Plug RC12YC. amzn.to/3JzWlpP.
Spar Plug Gap Tool. amzn.to/3JHwH2x.
Fastener Clip Removal Tool. amzn.to/3yyvxQc.
Deck Leveling Gauge. amzn.to/3ZUwGgG.
How to Straighten bent Mower Deck. • Installed New Blades a... .
For questions and business inquiries please use contact page on my web site www.johnsonssm...

[@jeffkeni]

Thorough and comprehensive. It is a long one but not a minute was wasted. Thanks!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful and it sounds like you made it to the end!! Thank you for watching and the kind comment. Please give this video a like, subscribe if you haven't already and share my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@mtdogluvr6880]

Fantastic videos! Clear, concise, complete, and correct! Kudos for the camera, sound, and editing. Exactly how a well planned instructional video ought to be presented!

[@gunnaragersten9319]

I really love how detailed and good you did this video. It was very informative and straight to the point. I appreciate it.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad cub it was and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a like, subscribe if you haven’t yet and share my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for watching.

[@RStarLeeKong]

I have that same rider the T240. This is the most descriptive, well-organized, thorough maintenance tutorial I've seen on KZbin on any rider lawn mower. Much APPRECIATION! Thank you SIR.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful! You made my day! Thank you for the kind comment:). Please give this video a like, subscribe if you haven’t already and share my channel to help it grow! It would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for watching.

[@D-Almighty]

Just bought a new 2400 today from Lowes for $2600, they said it was on sale I have no clue it's my first riding mower. But bruh, the tools on the table was VERY SCARY....lol I was like OMG I need all that 😂😂😂. This was the best right to the point, well lit, and clear video I may have EVER SEEN. Excellent job kind sir, and I subscribed. Appreciate your detail and knowledge, stay safe and keep'm coming.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for watching, subscribing and the kind comment!

[@fl9774]

I have a newer T2200K mower, but these instructions were so good that I didn't have any issues following along and safely dismantling and remantling my mower. They say not to trust a one armed man, but this 1 handed man is #1 in my books.

[@brucehampton1545]

Great video and very thorough which I like alot. Most people wont watch a lengthy video but I have never owned a craftsman rider so I watched it all the way. Thank you so much.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Bruce, I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. I agree with most everyone’s attention span nowadays but I could not make it any shorter without skipping things and I try not to do that on my videos!

[@gregorymcdaniel2249]

Thank you for your tricks for removing the cable on the mower deck, I had to have my neighbor re-install mine. My dad taught me to use a thin film of grease on all my oil filters as the oil dries out from heat of engine, never had a gasket stick or a filter I installed hard to remove using this method….just my 2 cents. Love your videos

[@macmccollum6064]

I've maintained my Cub Cadet equivalent for nearly 10 years, but always learn some helpful trick from your videos. Thanks.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks Mac, I appreciate you watching, the kind comment and supporting the channel!

[@lareldashark6521]

I really need this service guy to work on my rider.🎉

[@goofe.washington953]

This video was outstanding. The thoroughness and detail was superior. There is no question that I would want this guy to do my mechanic work. Superb.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and the very kind comment. Please give this video a like, subscribe if you haven't already and share my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@CorbinAce]

It is so nice watching someone that actually knows what he is doing. I'm so tired of so called mechanics researching and guessing what they are trying to do at the expense of the viewer. I had a lt1000 22hp craftsman for almost 20 years. I called it the tank! Kept it running for all that time myself struggling with, almost, mechanics in You Tube, learning how. Finally I had to retire it and bought a used 2017 Troy Bilt TB42 mower cheap, hardly used and very abused. I am learning TLC for the newer MTD, built for their' convenience,,,,, mowers.. This video has helped a lot. Thanks buddy for this well made video. You have a new Sub. 👍

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for supporting the channel and I hope the best for your machine. Did you buy it brand new? The main thing is do not wash it and do the best you can with the preventive maintenance as there is not many grease fittings at all on your machine and I’m pretty sure your front wheels have plastic bushings. Your machine is a basic grass cutting machine and that’s it. Take care.

[@wendyedwards949]

Thank you. Very helpful for first timers!!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and the kind comment. Please give this video a like subscribe if you would like to, and share my channel with your friends to help me grow. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@Joey112100]

Thank You So Much for making this full maintenance tutorial. I love how you explained everything so anyone could understand it also. I bought my T240 April of 2020 and it did come with the drain hose. Keep up the good work!!!! 🙂

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad the video is helpful. Good to know on the drain tube! I’m glad the manufacturer is at least helping a bit. Thank you for watching and for sharing

[@CBCycles]

I have to thank you, I just finished servicing my Craftsman T240 and your video was an invaluable guide, thanks again.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and I do my best! Thank you for the kind comment and for watching my video. Please give this video a like and share my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@calbright573]

The lawnmower owner just had good service.

[@MrChecknate]

Where were you 2 years ago? I've been looking for something like this after purchasing my T240. You helped out TREMENDOUSLY!! Educational and descriptive. Thanks.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment!

[@tammiegrady7635]

I really love your videoes; yes we did have an oil hose included for our T241.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Glad to hear. Thank you for the kind comment. I’m glad you like the videos.

[@JoshuaAracich]

Very good video! I watched the whole thing which is hard for me to do. Great job!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and you made it to the end!! Thank you for the kind comment.

[@rayortiz5957]

Nice, awesome video...there is so much I didn't know on what and how to service certain points and parts that you brought up. Thank you!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching, supporting my channel and the kind comment.

[@jimmyedwards8262]

Very good job of demonstrating the maintenance necessary. Thank you for your details and tips!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful! Thank you for the kind comment and for watching my video.

[@keithstrawn7422]

I like the quart can funnel for the oil filter. I own an older YT4000 with a Briggs 24hp. The front pulley belt shroud has a break in the middle of it so the can lift off easily on both sides. No need to remove it. My oil drain has a hose with the cap mounted on the end of hose mounted on the side. No tools for it neither. MTD has cheapen it

[@jb8478]

Around how much can a customer expect to pay for this exact job including parts and labor? How long did it take for you to complete it?

[@josephdillon7420]

Very good education and so itemized of tools and parts. Great video, thanks!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment.

[@watermanone7567]

Good work. Every one of the yellow oil quick drain assy that I have come across from the factory are loose. I had one recently that was leaking badly on a new mower. Also all of the Craftsman riders like the one you just repaired have chokes not fully closing from the factory. A customer of mine said he cranked the engine from new for a very long time before I did the choke adjustment. He could not believe it started so fast after being adjusted. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you!

[@joebuttas26]

What type of grease did you use for the suspension? This video is so awesome by the way. The definitive guide!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I use a John Deere Grease. I have been using it for 20 years with no issues. amzn.to/3pc76Xt.

[@jmylet]

How do I fix the throttle cable? When I move my choke lever, the throttle really doesn’t move. I tried making the adjustments you showed in the video. The problem is that even when everything is adjusted where it should be, when I move the choke lever nothing really moves.

[@gina4008]

Excellent tutorial! Thanks for your helpful video. Two Question.... I have this exact lawn tractor, bought new in May 2021(love it!). Every time I engage the blade, it will screech, no screech when I dis-engage it. Also, when I try to go in reverse, I noticed its getting slower and slower. Anything I can do to fix or should or is this a warranty call?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

The screech is normal. Think about it; you trying to engage blades from a stand still and your engine if your starting the blades at full throttle is running at 3600 RPMs. The engine pulley is metal and the belt is rubber. When you engage the two your gonnna hear a sound of some sort and screech it is. Not sure about your reverse going slow. If it was slow when you purchased it? Most likely that is the speed. If it is getting slower than you may have a issue. I personally have not come across that yet on that model machine.

[@MrGlenRoberts]

I have the same slow reverse issue. I was hoping this video would cover it. What I've found is the transmission needs to be bled of air. Just don't know how yet.

[@kevinarnold213]

After 2 of your videos I have subsribed , very good work ethic and knowledge

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for the kind comment and supporting my channel!! Thank you for watching my videos and I'm glad they are helpful.

[@brandonnelson3385]

I also have a T240. Do you have any advice for a way to increase the deck belt tension when the PTO is engaged? I’ve replaced the deck belt with an OEM belt, replaced the PTO cable, and verified my belt is routed correctly, and yet it still slips. Awesome video too btw!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I cannot diagnose without seeing the machine. The belt is only tensioned by the spring on the PTO cable. Not sure what you mean slipping.

[@webbnow1]

Good Video, Im having a hard time finding the proper kit for mulching. Any recommendations?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I do not get into trying to find attachments for customers machines as it can be a nightmare as you are finding out. The only video I have was a customer that purchased a mulching kit and wanted me to install it. Take a look and if this is the same mower deck? it may work for you. I put all links and part numbers in the link in the description. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXyadIiQr6lreZY

[@danburland7190]

Thanks a million for some tricks of the trade.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a like and share my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for watching!

[@tomwaldenofficial]

Thanks for filming and making this video

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a like and share my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for watching.

[@theoldieswarehousegk1089]

Thank you so much. I am going to buy my first riding mower and your very informative video helped to to understand how everything works. For the typical homeowner , whcih mower would you recommend?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

There are way to many variables to be able to give you a good answer. Pick a few when your out looking and send me the links. I will give you my honest opinion.

[@theoldieswarehousegk1089]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines will do. Thank you

[@theoldieswarehousegk1089]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines i have 3 I am considering Husqvarna 42 in. 19 HP Gas-Powered Riding Lawn Mower, YTH1942, Cub Cadet 42 in. Gas-Powered Enduro Series Riding Lawn Mower, XT1 LT42, IntelliPower, , or Cub Cadet 46 in. 22 HP Gas-Powered Enduro Series Riding Lawn Mower, XT1 LT46, Kohler Engine/ . And is it worth it to get the larger Kohler engine? What do you think is a better machine? Thanks so much for your time. No rush.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

The Husqvarna is your basic lawn tractor for just grass cutting, no hills or towing in my opinion is not recommended. If it has a briggs and stratton engine that would be an OK machine for just grass cutting. I would upgrade the front wheel bushings to bearings. I have a video for three upgrades for the Husqvarna. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnrRgZmAdtONb6s. The Cub cadet with the IntelliPower, needs more time in the field to see how it will be. I can say it has electronics on it that may be expensive to repair and the engine looks very cheaply made. Only time will tell if the IntelliPower engine holds up. The Cub Cadet with the twin 7000 series engines are in my opinion very good engines if you take care of them. They do need a heat shield where the throttle cable crosses over the exhaust. I hope Kohler will figure that one out. The twin cylinder power is very nice to have for the hills and towing and all in all a very reliable engine.I think they have gone to a AGM battery and again, time will tell how they hold up. The good thing is they left the battery box large so if you need a new battery, you can purchase a normal lawn and garden battery and save a little $. If I had to pick one of the three it would be the Cub with the twin Kohler Engine.

[@theoldieswarehousegk1089]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Brad...thank you so much for the info. The one you picked was the one I was leaning toward. Thanks again. I love watching your videos. They are so informative.

[@jp-us9rq]

Is their a difference between small enging oil and regular motor oil I waunt to switch to mobil 1 instead of jd oil

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Not much. Mobile 1 will be a better oil to put in. Just make sure the API “ American petroleum institute” rating is SP or close to it. SN would work to.

[@joehanna6859]

great video, but have you done one on how to remove the gas tank on this or T260?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I do not at the this time. I'm pretty sure your T260 is the same as the Cub Cadet XT2. Watch this video and it should help you. Start watching around the 2:00 mark.kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5PVY52Nbr2ae80.

[@sharonfilson6323]

My tractor is a bit bigger and a different in that the gas tank is one that has fuel reserve and is under the seat, the battery is where this one's gas tank is. I am having white smoke blowing and smoking from all places under the engine which I anm assuming it's smoking off the cleaning lubricant I used to clean all the gunk from the entire space under engine, however the smoke coming out of exhaust and around the air intake is heavy and I need to know if that is gaskets gone bad or something else

[@sharonfilson6323]

I believe this will.be helpful for me to do the whole maintenance on my lawn tractor

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Any kind of smoke is not good especially white. You will need to find out what the issue is. It’s either engine issue or gasket leaking or both. Start by making sure the engine oil level is NOT overfilled.

[@harrysimpsonimages]

I've got a smoking then stall T240 now. I'm gonna change out the fuel pump, change the oil and drain gas and add fresh gas. Hopefully this will correct the issue. Pulled the oil dipstick and it was way up the stick and smelled like gas. Figure it might be the fuel pump. Have you done any short videos on this?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Your carburetor let loose because of dirt. You need to clean the carburetor. I have a video on that issue. Search “gas in engine oil “ on my channel. That should pull it up. It’s not the same carburetor and you may get lucky and just need to clean yours out. The fuel pump is not your issue. You will also need to drain old contaminated gas out of your engine and if you have an oil filter replace it. Do this after you cleaned the carburetor.

[@harrysimpsonimages]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Thanks for the fast response Looks like the video is rebuilding the carb. I was hoping complete gas drain and fresh gas along with oil change etc would get it. I've not got a great place to work on it. Appreciate your input but the carb deal was a bit more than i expected.

[@harrysimpsonimages]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines This video at 4:06 mark kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6W7m4CHosdkmJI is what led me to fuel pump problem. But i suppose the stall after smoke indicates the carb problem?

[@colleenpustelnik]

I just bought a craftsman T240 lawn tractor mfd 1/21 I was wondering what tuff torque hydro trans it has is it a K46 or the newer t200.. Also I have a 3 year old Husqvarna TS 354XD garden tractor with a FR730V Kawasaki 24 hp engine do you have a How to service and maintain video for this tractor or if not we're could I find one THANKS !!!!!!!!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

To find out what transmission you have, there are two ways that I know of (1) there should be a sticker or tag on your transmission that will show the manufacture and model (2) look up your model of your machine from the sticker on your machine on a online parts look up and once you have the part number for the transmission, most of the time you can put the part number in on a search engine to find what the model is and who makes it. I do not have any videos on the TS 354XD. Just perform the same as you have seen on this machine or I do have a video on a Husqvarna but it is similar to this machine not yours. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHOVi2Rpd52Mh6s. You just need to get different parts but the service is the same.

[@jeffrofromms]

Craftsman is a 2023 model. The past two times I have been mowing, it just "stops". Motor still running and blades engaged. But, the hydro-stat transmission will not engage. I noticed it being a little sluggish. I turned the motor off, disengaged the transmission and gave it a slight push. Cranked the mower back off and finished my mow. Trying to find an answer.......

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Did you buy it new? Has it had any transmission belts installed? Do you tow with it? It sounds like the drive belt spring that holds tension maybe broken? Impossible to diagnose without seeing the machine.

[@zARies31]

Bro thank you for this video gave me everything i needed to know thanks man

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful. Thank you for watching and the kind comment. Please give this video a like and share the channel with your friends to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated.

[@brucehampton1545]

I do have one question. I have a craftsman ys 4500 and the lever to engage the blade is in front of the steering and hard to engage. Is there a way to lube it or adjust it to engage easier?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Very difficult to get any lubricant in the cable. Take off the cable at the mower deck and check to see if the cable is just as hard to engage. If yes, replace the cable.

[@chadshorts2572]

My T240 did come with the drain hose for the oil.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Glad to hear!

[@PurpleOuchie]

Very informative, thank you so much.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment.

[@thecrazysharkguy6999]

i have the craftsman t100 i dont believe it has an oil filter iv looked over the whole mower any thoughts?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Some Briggs and Stratton engines did not come with oil filters. Just make sure you change your oil often.

[@thecrazysharkguy6999]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines yea thats what i thought. The guy at lowes said i had to take the motor apart to get to it. I was like dude it just has a drain plug

[@kscase]

Where are the grease zerks on the deck you never addressed that mine sound like crap they sound like they're going out and I can't find a zerk

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

No grease fittings is correct. You can’t address what is not there and if you wash your machine or cut wet grass, your bearings will not last.

[@anthonybriskie3798]

Thanks for the video, I have a t260 mower, the drive belt got wedged between the clutch and the pulley, the mower stopped moving. the belt was still in one piece but I could not get it unstuck. I cut the belt and was able to remove it. Do you have any tips on getting the pully lowered or removed from the engine? When I try to remove the bolt holding the pulley it seems like everything is moving and cannot get the bolt loose to lower the drive pulley. By the way when I got the belt out it was sliced up so I have a replacement. thanks for any help or thoughts you can offer.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

If you have an electric PTO clutch? I use electric impact gun. It’s not easy, holding the top of the engine and unbolting the clutch. You may be able to borrow a Electric Impact from your local automotive shop. Not sure if your area has options like that? Or if you know somebody who owns one. If you have a regular two pulley under the engine, sometimes you can get a pipe wrench to fit over the center shaft of the pulley to hold it tight while you remove bolt.

[@anthonybriskie3798]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Thanks, I'll give it a shot, I tried holding the top with a racket that pushes against the gas tank, but the model I have has a bolt in the top with nothing to hold onto. If I put the ratchet on the bolt it just loosens the bolt. I can take the cover off the shaft by removing the bolt but all I see when I go that way if the top of the shaft and the keyway nothing to hold onto. by the way I forgot to mention that this was a great video and I learned a lot. One additional question is there any place I can find out where springs hook to? I disconnected one and cannot remember where it hooks into?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Sometimes the parts breakdown will help you out when looking for where things go on the machine

[@anthonybriskie3798]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Thanks again, unfortunately cannot get the nut on the engine shaft off to change the drive belt. I am using a impact wrench with 5/8 socket. does nothing to loosen the bolt.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Remember lefty, lucy righty tightly. Check to make sure you’re going the correct way. Not sure what impact gun your using but you may need a better one. I have never had a bolt I couldn’t get out with an impact either air impact or electric impact, but sometimes I had to go to my half inch electric earthquake from HARBOR FREIGHT Impact, which has 800ft pounds of reverse torque. I think they only make it in the Hercules now .

[@harrysimpsonimages]

Do you ever cover choke adjustment? Doesnt seem like my choke is working after my tuneup.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I do not have one at this timed but I can make one for you. What is the model number off of the sticker under the seat on your machine? Or the model number off of your engine would work. I need to know the make and model of your engine.

[@harrysimpsonimages]

it's a Craftsman T240 - model 13APA1ZT093 THANKS! @@JohnsonsSmallEngines

[@harrysimpsonimages]

I think i fixed it - sticky throttle lever@@JohnsonsSmallEngines

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Glad to hear. Thanks for the update. Any kind of spray oil will help , WD etc. When I get a T240 or equivalent engine. I will make a “how to adjust choke”. Just for future reference.

[@marlenebucket7251]

Very informative videos

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad they are helpful!

[@gregorymcdaniel2249]

The drain hose does not come with the mower, I bought my hose in Lowe’s

[@robertmailhos8159]

Well at least the blade engagement and the deck height adjustment are 2 different engagement parts m.t.d finally got it separate from each other

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Robert, not many people remember those older machines. When I started the business, that type of MTD was popular. That was 30 years ago :)

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines okay thanks for the info on this matter young man and be safe out there

[@robboyce6636]

Yes, the oil drain hose came with the brand new T240 lawnmower.

[@LessThanHandy]

Two things if I may; How can we send you $ for making the best maintenance video on riding mowers? Also, any chance you can make a video of how to align the wheels with the steering wheel? My front wheels are going straight but the steering wheel is all crooked...😅

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for the kind offer. I need to figure out how to get the links on my channel. I work a lot and need to take the time to get that figured out. I'm not tech good that way. i will make a video on how to straighten the steering wheel but do not have one at the moment. If you can give me the model number off of the sticker under the seat i will check your machine out and see if i have something that is close to show you. Thank you for watching my video and please share my channel to help it grow!

[@binghamhumber]

awesome

[@rcf8367]

That right blade pulley brake needs taken off & the bracket adjusted to meet the pulley full faced.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Non adjustable. They work until they don’t.

[@julianwilson531]

Will explained!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@henryduke722]

Yes mine came with that hose

[@ASEfl2]

Squared away video. Thank you

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful! Thank you for the kind comment and watching. Please get this video alike and share my channel with your friends to help it grow! It would be greatly appreciated.

[@derekromero2331]

I have this mower but none of these tools 🫠